Barefoot shoe

ABSTRACT

A barefoot shoe with bottom and upper, and with fasteners for fastening the barefoot shoe on the foot of a person wearing the barefoot shoe, has a bottom consisting entirely or at least almost exclusively of ring structures. Preferably, the upper also consists entirely of ring structures, or the upper has areas consisting at least almost exclusively of ring structures. A barefoot shoe is thus created by which the feet of a person wearing the barefoot shoe are, in quick succession, kept wet, dry, cold, warm, etc., without there being any danger of injury and without there being any danger of annoying foreign bodies entering the shoe. The barefoot shoe also has good static friction properties, even on irregular ground surfaces. The barefoot shoe can be quickly cleaned and has sufficient hygiene properties. The barefoot shoe is also light and flexible and can be given an attractive appearance.

The invention relates to a barefoot shoe with a bottom and an upper andwith fasteners for fastening the shoe to the foot of a person wearingthe shoe, and to the use of a shoe as a barefoot shoe.

Many diseases in the civilized world are caused by improper treatment ofthe feet and especially to wearing the wrong shoes. It is generallyknown that walking barefoot or running barefoot strengthens muscles,ligaments and joints, improves motor skills, promotes the sense ofbalance and prevents injury. The spine and the entire rest of the bodyalso benefit therefrom. Walking barefoot or running barefoot strengthensthe immune system, especially in cold weather. When feet are alreadyinjured, discomforts can often be better corrected or alleviated byrunning barefoot than with orthopedic devices.

Running barefoot is considered extremely healthy and viewed in manyareas of daily life as possible and desirable. In principle, one wouldtherefore forego shoes, were it not for the risk of injury caused byscattered objects, debris, broken glass, sharp stones, bottle caps,insects, small animals and the like.

Against this background, so-called “outdoor shoes” have already beenproposed which are intended to give the person wearing such shoes thebenefits of walking or running barefoot while at the same timeprotecting against injury.

A known outdoor shoe of this type, which can be described rather as asock than a shoe, has a dimpled rubber sole, which is connected to anupper made of a textile fabric. This outdoor shoe proves particularlyproblematic when used in wet conditions, since the rubber sole and thefabric cannot give off stored moisture as quickly as desired, and thefoot lacks adequate support when wet. This known outdoor shoe is notable to convey the desired barefoot feeling and is thus ratherunsuitable as a “barefoot shoe”.

Furthermore, an outdoor shoe formed like a sock is known, wherein thebottom and the upper includes knitwear from a mixture of textile andplastic, and wherein a dimpled sole made of polyester is welded to thebottom thereof. So-called toe compartments for individual toes areprovided in the knitwear. This outdoor shoe also conveys to the personwearing it no real barefoot feeling and is also problematic in wetconditions.

Attempts to use for this purpose outdoor shoes designed for walking onboats and in aquatic environment with holes in the bottom, through whichentering water can escape, have shown that the feet of a person wearingthese shoes remain wet. This outdoor shoe is thus also unsuitable as a“barefoot shoe”.

Furthermore, so-called swim shoes are known which firmly enclose thewearer's foot with proper size selection. Due to the use of thinnermaterials, these swim shoes let a person wearing these shoes better feelthe ground and also convey a sense of security. Disadvantageously, aperson wearing swim shoes tends to sweat profusely and swim shoes alsodo not last long when used “on land”. Moreover, water accumulates in theswim shoes in the presence of moisture and the feet not only stay moist,but downright wet. Swim shoes are therefore also unsuitable for use as a“barefoot shoes”.

Furthermore, an outdoor shoe with a grooved sole made of natural rubberand an upper made of a polyamide stretch fabric is known. When usingthis outdoor footwear as a “barefoot shoe”, the feet disadvantageouslysweat quickly and the entering moisture cannot adequately escape. Thesole of this outdoor shoe also does not provide adequate support, inparticular on slippery surfaces. Overall, this outdoor shoe is thereforealso unsuitable for use as a “barefoot shoe”.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,841,577 A discloses various articles of clothing made ofchain fabrics, for example long socks made of chain fabrics. Such knownchain-fabric socks typically serve to protect against foot injuries,especially in harsh working environments (e.g. when working withchainsaws), and are therefore not designed to be worn like a “barefootshoe” without additional overshoes and undershoes or socks. Moreover,the chain-fabric socks which have only a very coarse fit that is nottight and does not allow no quick movements, such as walking, running,rock climbing over large distances, because the loose, very heavymaterial would shake too strongly. Their use is therefore limitedexclusively to body protection while working at a fixed location. Sinceprotection of the arch of the foot is of particular importance for theprotective effect of such articles of clothing, the known long socks areconstructed in the arch area of the foot or instep of a closed chainfabric and more particularly lack fasteners in this area. The design asa closed chain fabric also applies to the bottom. As far as fastenersare provided at all for the chain fabric socks disclosed in U.S. Pat.No. 4,841,577 A, these are located on the upper collar, i.e. alreadyalmost in the knee area of a person wearing the long-chain fabric socksdesigned as long socks.

It is the object of the present invention to provide a barefoot shoewhich encloses the feet of a person wearing the barefoot shoe with aclose and tight fit and which lets the person feel in rapid successionwet, dry, cold, warm, etc. without the risk of injury. Accordingly, theshoe should be well ventilated and respond rapidly to changingenvironmental conditions, adapt to the foot like a “second skin”, beusable if possible also during the cold season and firmly fit the footunder all weather conditions. Furthermore, formation of pressure sores,blisters, abrasions or the like should be prevented. Movements ofmuscles and tendons in the foot should not be hindered by the barefootshoe in any way. The foot should be reliably protected against injuryand should also be protected against intrusion of interfering foreignobjects. Furthermore, the barefoot shoe should be as durable as possibledespite constant changes between heat, cold, wet and dry. Furthermore,the static friction properties (so-called “grip”) of the barefoot shoeshould be sufficient, even on variable ground surfaces. The barefootshoe should be quick to clean and should offer better hygienicproperties than other so-called barefoot products. In addition, thebarefoot shoe should also be lightweight and flexible and have anattractive appearance.

The object underlying the invention is attained for a barefoot shoeaccording to the preamble of claim 1 by the combination of features ofthe characterizing part of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments andimprovements of the invention are apparent from the dependent claims.

The object is also attained by using as a barefoot shoe a shoe with abottom and upper as well as with fasteners for fastening the shoe to thefoot of a person wearing the footwear, wherein the bottom has areas thatare completely or partly composed of ring structures.

By the characterizing feature of the present invention, according towhich a barefoot shoe is provided which has a base and an upper, as wellas fasteners for fastening the barefoot shoe on the foot of a personwearing the barefoot shoe, wherein the bottom is made entirely of ringstructures or has at least partially areas composed exclusively of ringstructures, effects arise on the skin of the feet of a person wearingsuch a shoe, in particular when used in an “outdoor” setting, that arecomparable to or approximate “actually” walking barefoot, because thewearer of the shoe can directly feel environmental influences, such ashumidity, temperature (heat, cold), ground conditions and the like.

A tightly fitting shoe that can be easily to put on and taken off iscreated with the context of the present invention by at least partiallyproviding the fasteners of a barefoot shoe having a bottom that iscompletely composed of ring structures in the areas of the upper thatare located in the arch of the foot or the insole, when the shoe isworn. In contrast to the known chain-fabric socks designed as longsocks, the fact that the fasteners are disposed in the area of the archof the foot is not disadvantageous for barefoot shoe, since theprotection of the arch of the foot is of secondary importance for abarefoot shoe. Rather, it is particularly advantageous for achieving anoptimal barefoot effect to arrange fasteners in the area of the arch ofthe foot, because the ring structures then tightly abut the sole area,so that the shoe is worn directly on the bare foot and is ideallyperceived as a “second skin”. Within the context of the invention, theshoe can have a larger opening in the area of the arch of the foot muchlike a ballerina shoe, wherein the fasteners are designed so that anelastic clamping force is applied to the edge of the opening in themanner of a tensioning cable. Alternatively, the fasteners may also beformed as conventional shoelaces or as buckles or straps affixed withVelcro closures.

Alternatively, within the context of the present invention andindependent of the positioning of the fasteners, the bottom may onlypartly be composed of ring structures. Thus, portions of the bottom, forexample in areas of the arch of the foot, which typically have no directcontact with the ground due to the anatomy of the arch of the foot sole,can be realized by using other materials. With such a “mixed” design ofthe barefoot shoe in the area of the bottom or “sole”, the advantages ofthe ring structures of the invention as well as the advantages ofconventional shoe materials may be combined. Of course, the fastenersmay also be provided in the area of the arch of the foot even with ashoe that has only partial ring fabric structures in the area of thebottom of the shoe.

In one advantageous embodiment of the invention, the ring structures aredesigned to be open, as opposed for example to ring structuresvulcanized in a rubber layer which may be useful as penetrationprotection for nails or the like in the field of clothing articles forworkplace protection. Open ring structures may within the scope of theinvention also include embodiments where in addition to the ringstructures additional substantially permeable sheet members, such ascoarse-mesh fabric, are provided.

Advantageously, the barefoot shoe and the structure of the ringstructures are formed so that environmental influences may act directlyon the foot of a person wearing the barefoot shoe, i.e. the ergonomicsof the barefoot shoe and the ring structures is designed so that theshoes may be worn by a user preferentially without additionalintermediate socks disposed between the wearer's foot—although theapplication of the intermediate socks is possible, as explainedbelow—and without an overshoe. In conjunction with the aforementionedopen design of the ring structures, this advantageously provides analmost direct contact between the foot sole and the ground whileproviding at the same time excellent ventilation and quick drying andremoval of particles like pebbles, sand, as well as simultaneouslyunlimited protection from injury.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the bottom of the barefootshoe may be made entirely of ring structures and the areas of the upperabutting the bottom, particularly the areas enclosing the toes in thefront shoe area and the heel in the rear shoe area, of the personwearing the shoe are formed integral with the ring structures of thebottom and thus also consist of ring structures.

In principle, the advantages of the present invention can besubstantially achieved in that at least a partial region of the bottomis formed as ring structures and the entire barefoot shoe is designedsuch that these ring structure areas can form an open and/or permeableseparating structure between the foot sole and the bottom, i.e. that theshoe can be worn comfortably without extra socks or overshoes. Theremaining parts of the shoe, i.e. the other parts of the bottom and theupper can—depending on the specific requirement profiles—either also beconstructed of ring structures, or can be made wholly or partly of othermaterials customarily used for footwear.

Ring structures within the context of the present invention are to beunderstood as fine-mesh flexible surface elements in form of a permeableraster which have when loaded by the weight of a person wearing thebarefoot shoe rigidly acting (surface-stable) rings that wrap aroundeach other or around central holding elements made, for example, ofmetal and/or plastic. The rings of the ring structures may be round,polygonal (e.g. 4, 6, 8 corners) or oval.

Advantageously, with the inventive use of ring structures, the bottom ofthe barefoot shoe can individually adjust to uneven ground as opposed tosolid soles. This provides good retention properties even underdifficult ground conditions such as in damp moss growing on roots.Because due to the relatively small ground contact surface of theindividual rings of the ring structures and the relatively high weightof the person wearing the shoe, the foot adapts with a high specificpressure to the ground, with the rings of the ring structures pressingfor example in the presence of moss growing on roots through to theharder wood, making slipping unlikely—even on an incline.

A person wearing the shoe immediately feels at every step the propertiesof the ground as well as differences in temperature and humidity. Yet,the foot is better protected by the ring structures from stings and cutsthan in conventional barefoot shoes. Another advantage is that thebarefoot shoe can be easily cleaned, for example by rinsing underrunning water. Experiments have shown that the barefoot shoe accordingto the invention does not cause sores, abrasions or pressure points onthe foot, because although the material makes contact, it causes nopermanent friction or constant pressure at discrete locations due to aprecise fit.

Tests have also shown that the desired barefoot sensation when wearingthe barefoot shoe of the invention (in particular to natural grounds)comes very close to a “real” barefoot sensation (walking or runningwithout shoes).

The barefoot shoe according to the invention is permeable to air andtherefore well ventilated as a result of completely permeable rasterstructure of the ring structures. Due to the flexibility of the ringstructures, the area of the barefoot shoe in contact with the groundadapts perfectly to the respective ground profile.

Especially in the cold season, the foot can be protected from the cold,as necessary, by thin socks arranged inside the barefoot shoe and made,for example, of chloroprene rubber or other suitable materials known forexample from designs used in orthopedics and rehabilitation settings. Anexample of such a suitable material is the lining designed for the careof diabetes patients with the product designation. Diatex from thecompany Erkodent Erich Kopp GmbH (DE).

In certain situations, an additional sock made of, for example,chloroprene rubber or other suitable materials may be pulled over thebarefoot shoe. This may be useful in situations where the adhesion ofthe ring structures on certain, in particular artificially createdsurfaces, such as polished granite, is to be improved without losing theadditional massage effect.

The barefoot shoes according to the invention also have good slipresistance properties, to particular on natural soil, because the ringsof the ring structures rise slightly at each ground contact, so that theremaining, comparatively small contact area with the ground results in ahigh surface pressure, preventing slipping.

The design of the rings of the ring structures can be chosen withrespect to both the ring connections and the number of rings so that,for example, thorny brambles or nettles have no chance of touching thefoot of the person wearing the barefoot shoe. While dust particles cangenerally enter the barefoot shoe, they are then, so to speak,“screened” by the interstices in the fabric of the ring structures, andare subsequently pushed out again by the counterpressure of the foot.Due to the small openings remaining between the rings of the ringstructures, only particles having correspondingly small dimensions areable to reach the skin of the foot. However, these particles are notirritating and are visible only when the shoe is taken off. The ringstructures used for the barefoot shoe according to the invention aredurable and easily withstand changes between hot and cold, dry and wet,or the like. After contact with moisture, the foot is again dry after afew steps. When walking through a puddle of water, the foot of a personwearing the barefoot shoe is pleasantly cooled and is soon thereafterdry again. As a result of the open structure of the ring structures andtheir permeability, the desired environmental effects when runningbarefoot have thus a direct effect an on the foot of the person wearingthe barefoot shoe, as is otherwise the case only when actually runningor walking barefoot.

Advantageously, the barefoot shoe according to the invention is alsoflexible owing to its ring structure, and can be formed into virtuallyany desired shape for storage, transport, or the like of the barefootshoe and hence takes up much less space than conventional shoes.

The ring structures themselves can have individual rings which aredirectly hooked together or are hooked into a central retaining element.Suitable materials may be selected from the group of metals, metalalloys, the (optionally modified) polymers, fiber materials orcomposites. Specific examples of suitable materials are steel and steelalloys, aluminum or aluminum alloys, titanium/stainless steel orcorresponding alloys, silver/gold, brass and brass alloys, copper andcopper alloys (including bronze), hard plastics, fiber glass, carbonfiber or aramide.

When metal rings are employed, the rings may be welded or soldered. Whenthe rings are made of plastic, they may be fused or bonded. The numberof rings hooked together depends on the particular application and maybe varied. Preferably, the ring structure has a plurality ofinterconnected raster elements, wherein each raster element haspreferably four rings, which are hooked to a common coupling ring. Theindividual raster elements are connected to one another in that theaforementioned four or more rings are each hooked into correspondinglyformed central retaining elements configured as coupling rings or asdifferently designed central retaining elements of additional suitablyformed raster elements.

Ring structures within the context of the present invention includeflexible structures referred to as so-called metal ring braids or as aso-called “flexible scale braids”, where a number of elements called“scales” or “capsules” are interconnected by hinged rings. The scales orcapsules each have closed flat sides and rings hooked to edge regions ofthe scales or capsules. For example, for scales or capsules havingoctagonal flat sides, four rings are each hooked in respective oppositeedge regions and form together with the respective scale or capsule araster element, which is connected with the correspondingly designedfurther raster elements in that each of these four rings is hooked toedge regions of four additional scales or capsules. The scales orcapsules have through-openings disposed between the scales and capsulesthrough which the desired environmental influences when running barefootcan reach the foot of a person wearing the barefoot shoe.

When using a ring structure on the bottom, scales or capsules withbottom-side structures (so-called “grip support”) may be used as acentral retaining element or as central retaining elements.

The bottom of the barefoot shoe can—depending on the design—have areaswith fewer rings or areas with additional rings of differentorientation. Such measures can affect the “grip” behavior of thebarefoot shoe.

Ring structures made of metal have the advantage of being particularlyresistant compared to ring structures made of other materials. Ringstructures made of metal are particularly suitable for use in areas withhigh mechanical stresses (e.g., changing terrain, hard ground, steepinclines and the like). Metal-ring structures protect particularly wellagainst injury.

Ring structures made of plastic have the advantage of being lighter thanring structures made of metal and also to be more flexible. Ringstructures made of plastic are preferred when used in applications withlow mechanical stress (meadows, beaches, soft ground, low risk of injuryand the like). Barefoot shoes with plastic ring structures have a highwearing comfort.

Preferred dimensions of the rings of the inventive ring structures maybe, for example:

Outside diameter of the ring: between 2 mm and 7 mm, wire diameter ofthe ring: between 0.4 mm and 1.25 mm. In a particularly preferredembodiment, ring structures made of stainless steel are used. The ringshave outside diameters of 4.0 mm, and inside diameters of 2.9 mm. Thewire diameter is 0.55 mm.

Shape and construction of the barefoot shoe according to the inventionare variable: many variations are conceivable between the shape of aso-called footie or lightweight ballerina shoe and the shape of ahigh-necked, optionally additionally reinforced outdoor shoe, also inthe shape of a boot above the ankle. The barefoot shoe may also bedesigned as a simple stretch stocking (with toe compartments or withouttoe compartments). Toe compartments are useful, for example, when thebarefoot shoe is subject to special requirements (for example, climbingrequirements).

Fasteners for fastening the shoe on the foot of a person wearing theshoe can be designed in a conventional manner. Barefoot shoes accordingto the invention may also include reinforcements and/or additionalelements for increasing the skid resistance (so-called“grip-improvement”), and also elements for cushioning, insulation andthe like.

For example, spring-biased fastening hooks may be provided as fastenersfor fastening the ring structures, by means of which continuousattachment in correspondingly mounted eyelets and the ring fabrics canbe performed. However, the fasteners may also have a combination ofmaterials known from conventional footwear, such as leather, textilefabrics, plastics, ribbons, laces, straps, zippers, stretch fabrics,Velcro closures, partial or full reinforcements made of metal, plasticor rubber and rubber reinforcements on soles, side areas, heels, tips,arch of the foot, etc., or even buckles and/or snap fasteners.

In an advantageous embodiment, the bottom of the barefoot shoe may bemade wholly or partly of a closed material in the area of the big toebunion and/or in the heel area and/or in the toe area, whereas ringstructures are provided in at least one adjacent bottom area. By usingconventional soles at least partially in the areas of the primaryload-bearing anatomical areas of the sole, the conventional sole areaswhich may also have shock absorption properties are operationalessentially on hard, smooth surfaces, such as asphalt or marble.Conversely, on softer, pliant grounds, e.g. in sand, larger areas of thefoot sole tend to be in contact with the ground, providing a moreintense specific barefoot sensation. Such a shoe thus practicallyautomatically adapts to the respective ground.

Alternatively, the material distribution can also be reversed, forexample to provide ring structures for softer grounds in the bunionareas and to protect at the same time the more sensitive midfoot areavia continuous sole portions.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention will be explained below withreference to the drawings. The drawings show in:

FIG. 1 a a side view of a barefoot shoe according to the invention inthe shape of a ballerina shoe;

FIG. 1 b a plan view of the shoe of FIG. 1 a;

FIG. 1 c a bottom view of the shoe of FIG. 1 a;

FIG. 1 d a view of the heel region of the shoe shown in FIG. 1 in anenlarged scale;

FIG. 2 a view of another embodiment of the shoe according to theinvention;

FIG. 3 a representation of a detail of an embodiment of a ringstructure;

FIG. 4 a schematic representation of another embodiment of the ringstructure;

FIG. 5 a schematic representation of another embodiment of the ringstructure;

FIGS. 6 a to c representations of possible cross-sectional shapes of therings of the ring structure;

FIGS. 7 a to d schematic representations of the rail-like reinforcementsthe ring structure of other embodiments of the shoe according to theinvention;

FIG. 8 a a schematic representation of another embodiment with anembodiment of the fastener;

FIG. 8 b a representation corresponding to FIG. 8 a for anotherembodiment;

FIG. 8 c a representation corresponding to FIG. 8 a for anotherembodiment;

FIG. 8 d a representation corresponding to FIG. 8 a for anotherembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8 e a representation corresponding to FIG. 8 a for anotherembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8 f a representation corresponding to FIG. 8 a for anotherembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 9 a schematic representation of a fastener abutting the ringstructure area in an embodiment in the form of spring-biased hooks;

FIG. 10 a plan view of a raster element of an embodiment of metalfabrics as a flexible scale mesh;

FIG. 11 a schematic cross-sectional view of a detail of the ringstructures forming the bottom, with a grip-enhancing surface structure;

FIG. 12 a top view of the arrangement shown in FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 a schematic view of the bottom portion of an embodiment ofbarefoot shoe with a representation of a possible arrangement of thesurface structure of FIG. 11 and FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 a representation of a portion of a ring structure withadditional individual rings provided in partial areas;

FIG. 15 a representation of a ring structure portion having a secondring structure layer in partial areas;

FIG. 16 a representation of a ring structure portion, which is connectedwith an additional woven layer having crossed threads extending in thedirection of the plane of the ring structure;

FIG. 17 a plan view of a partial area of another embodiment of the ringstructure;

FIG. 18 a side view of FIG. 10 in an enlarged scale;

FIG. 19 a side view of another embodiment in a representation accordingto FIG. 18;

FIG. 20 a side view of another embodiment in a representation accordingto FIG. 18;

FIGS. 21 a, b schematic cross-sectional views of ring arrangements withanti-slip tendency to be used for ring structures within the context ofthe invention;

FIG. 22 a schematic representation of a stitching technique for couplingring structures and other surface structures;

FIG. 23 a schematic representation of a connection of ring structuresand other materials by vulcanization;

FIG. 24 a, b schematic representations of barefoot shoes with ringstructures with additional surface structures in the heel and toe areas;

FIG. 25 a, b schematic representations of barefoot shoes with onlypartially arranged ring structures with surface structures lacking aring structure in the heel and toe areas;

FIG. 26 a view from the sole side of a barefoot shoe that is partiallyopen in the sole area, with ring structures disposed only in the bunionarea and the heel area;

FIGS. 27 a to c different embodiments of barefoot shoes with differentupper configurations and fasteners, and

FIGS. 28 a to c representations of a barefoot shoe with inner sockspartially surrounding the foot and having exemplary recesses.

A barefoot shoe shown in FIGS. 1 a to 1 d in the shape of a Ballerinashoe according to the present invention includes a bottom 1 and an upper2. The upper edge of the upper 2 (as can be seen in the arch of the footor the instep area) has a fastener 3 with a closure strap 5 insertedinto a circumferential channel 4 and being provided at the ends of 6 and7 with button-like reinforcements which prevent the closure strap fromslipping out. An adjustable and lockable closure device 8 is disposed inthe heel area.

Both the bottom 1 and the upper 2 are entirely made of ring structures.The ring structures of the bottom 1 and the upper 2 are formed so as totransition into one another.

A person wearing the barefoot shoe according to FIGS. 1 a to 1 dpreferably on bare feet makes contact with the ground by way of the footsoles and the areas of the foot adjacent to the foot soles exclusivelythrough the ring structures. As already mentioned, this has for theperson wearing the shoe the effect of running barefoot, albeit withoutthe risks involved in “actually” running barefoot. In addition, the footundergoes due to the action of the ring structures a foot reflex zonemassage, which rejuvenates, relaxes and activates important self-healingprocesses of the body.

FIG. 2 shows another embodiment, wherein the (unillustrated) foot of aperson wearing the shoe can be surrounded by a barefoot shoe 9 in formof a stocking. The bottom of the shoe 9 consists here also of ringstructure to which ring structure areas 10 enclosing a portion of theupper are connected without a transition. The foot of the person wearingthe shoe is here also enclosed in the adjacent, upwardly connectedregion by the ring structure 11, which is held in place by straps 12 and13. The top edge of the ring structure area 10 is held in place by astrap 14, as can be seen area of the arch of the foot or the insteparea.

FIG. 3 shows a section of a ring structure 15 that can be used accordingto the invention. The ring structure 15 is composed of individualinterconnected rings, wherein respective four rings 16, 17, 18 and 19are each hooked into a common coupling ring 20. The coupling ring 20 inconjunction with the four rings 16 to 19 forms a raster element. Therings 16, 17, 18 and 19 form at the same time coupling rings of adjacentraster elements, into which the respective four rings are hooked, etc.

FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 show additional possible embodiments. For example,coupling rings 21 and 22 of equal size and arranged in parallel may beprovided, into each of which rings 23 to 28 are hooked.

According to FIG. 5, coupling rings 29 and 30 are provided into whichthe rings 31 to 36 are hooked.

As described in more detail further below with reference to FIG. 14 andFIG. 18, the ring structure may in partial areas also have additionalindividual rings, each enclosing the overlap region of twointerconnected rings and having an equal or shorter circumference thanthese rings.

Furthermore, as described in more detail below with reference to FIG.15, the (first) ring structures of the bottom and the upper may at leastin partial areas have a second ring structure layer extending parallelto the ring structures, wherein the second ring structure layer isinterconnected with the (first) ring structures by way of additionalindividual rings.

As shown in FIGS. 6 a to 6 c, the cross-sections of the rings may bedesigned differently. The ring cross-section according to FIG. 6 a isround, according to FIG. 6 b hexagonal, and according to FIG. 6 c oval.In addition, the rings may have different shapes (e.g. round, oval,polygonal and the like).

The bottom and upper of the barefoot shoes according to the inventionshown in FIGS. 7 a to 8 e are largely composed of ring structures, whichare not marked separately for ease of illustration. The shoe 37 shown inFIG. 7 a has a rail 38 made of metal or plastic, which is flexible andserves to stabilize the portion of the upper. A differently designed anddifferently arranged rail 39 is provided in the top region of the upperof a shoe 40 illustrated in FIG. 7 b.

As evident from FIGS. 7 c and 7 d, the ring structures can be stabilizedand fastened on the foot 41 of a person wearing the respective shoe 42or 43 by providing cuffs 44 and 45, which may also be in the form ofring structures. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7 c and FIG. 7 d,the cuffs 44 or 45 are disposed in the upper end portions of theflexible rails 46, 47, 48, 49 stabilizing the ring structures of the topregion of the upper.

The barefoot shoe 50 schematically illustrated in FIG. 8 a has afastener (as can be seen, located in the area of the arch of the foot orin the instep area) formed as a lacing arrangement 51 with a shoelace 52and a schematically illustrated top closure device 53 which may bedesigned with or without a lock.

The other shoe 54 illustrated in FIG. 8 b has also a fastener formed asa lacing arrangement 51′ (as evident, located in the area of the arch ofthe foot or in the instep area) and a closure 53′, which may be designedwith or without a lock.

The barefoot shoe 55 according to the invention schematicallyillustrated in FIG. 8 c has a fastener formed as a Velcro fastener 56,57 which is also arranged in the area of the arch of the foot or theinstep area. The same applies to the barefoot shoe 58 schematicallyillustrated in FIG. 8 d, which has a fastener formed as a Velcrofastener 56′, 57′.

FIG. 8 e shows another barefoot shoe 59 designed according to theinvention, wherein a stretch fabric 60 is provided as a fastener, whichis also arranged in the area of the arch of the foot or the instep area.A fastener constructed as a stretch fabric 60′ is also provided in theadditional barefoot shoe 61 illustrated in FIG. 8 f.

FIG. 9 shows schematically rings of the ring structure portion 15′, towhich a holder 63 having a hook area 64 with a plurality of hooks 65,66, 67, 68 is connected by way of a spring system 62 attached to theedge of the ring structure area. The arrangement shown in FIG. 9 mayform part of a fastener for fastening a barefoot shoe according to aperson wearing the barefoot shoe. For fastening, the hooks 65 to 68 canbe hooked to an adjacent ring structure area or eyelets provided there.

FIG. 10 shows a plan view of a raster element of a metal fabric in anembodiment as a flexible scale fabric. An element 69 referred to as a“scale” or “capsule” has closed flat sides, which are delimited by anoctagon. Rings 74, 75, 76, 77 are hooked into respective opposite edgeportions 70, 71, 72, 73. The illustrated raster element is connectedwith other correspondingly designed raster elements by hooking the rings74, 75, 76, 77 into corresponding edge portions of other (unillustrated)scales or capsules that have a similar appearance as the scale orcapsule 69.

FIG. 11 shows schematically a portion of the ring fabric 15, on which agrip-enhancing surface structure 78 (shown in FIG. 12 in plan view) isattached by hook elements 79, 80.

FIG. 13 shows schematically options for incorporating the grip-enhancingsurface structure 78 in the ring structures distributed in the bottomarea of a barefoot shoe. Such surface structures can be attached on theunderside of the bottom as well as on the inside of the bottom of thebarefoot shoe.

FIG. 14 shows a portion of ring structures 15 wherein additionalindividual rings 81, 82 are provided in partial areas. The individualrings 81, 82 each enclose the overlap region of two interconnected rings15 a, 15 b of the ring structures 15 and have an equal or shortercircumference than the rings 15 a, 15 b.

FIG. 15 shows a portion of ring structures 15, which have a second ringstructure layer 83 has in a partial region, of which rings 84, 85, 86are shown. The second ring structure layer 83 is connected to the ringstructures 15 via additional individual rings 87, 88, 89, 90.

FIG. 16 shows a portion of ring structures 15, which is connected withan additional woven layer 91 extending in a direction of the ringstructure 15 and having crossed threads 92, 93 to increase thedimensional stability of the ring structures.

FIG. 17 shows a coupling ring 20′ with rings 16′, 17′, 18′, 19′ hookedto the coupling ring 20′, wherein a respective further ring 94 is hookedto the rings 16′ and 17′ and a respective further ring 95 is hooked tothe rings 18′, 19′, respectively.

FIG. 18 shows a side view of FIG. 10.

FIGS. 19 and 20 show that the capsules or scales 69′ and 69″ may have“gripping aids” 96 or 97 in the area of the bottom.

FIGS. 21 a and 21 b show in a schematic sectional view ring structureswherein by meshing of two rows of rings 100, 100′, 101, 101′ shown inFIG. 21 a, which are alternately aligned relative to each other by about90°, an overall imbricated structure is created which results in aparticularly well gripping structure of the ring fabric, which can atthe same time also generate stronger massaging effect in the foot solearea. The thickness d and the ring spacing a at the surface can be setto different values by selecting different diameters of the alternatelyused rings 100, 101, 100′, 101′.

FIG. 22 shows a schematic representation of a stitching technique forcoupling ring structures with other surface structures, such as an outermaterial. Two such surface structures 102, 102′ with sandwiched ringstructures 100, 101 are stitched together with a thread 103 thatalternately pierces the gaps between the rings and the surfacestructure.

An alternative is schematically shown in FIG. 23, where a portion of therings 100, 101 is molded or vulcanized in the surface structure 104 tobe connected.

FIGS. 24 a and 24 b show schematically barefoot shoes according to theinvention wherein a toe area 108, an insole area 107, a heel portion 106and a heel portion 105 are composed of ring structures; the remainingareas (not shown) are made of other materials. As shown in FIG. 24 a ina kind of exploded view, the ring structures in the highly stressed toeareas and heel areas may additionally be provided with caps 106′, 108′made of a closed material, which provide extended mechanical protectionfrom injury to the particularly exposed parts of the foot in the walkingdirection, for example in the event of collisions with rocks, etc. Thecaps 106′, 108′ can be arranged on the outside in relation to the ringfabric, as shown, and/or may be arranged on the inside or intimatelyconnected with the ring fabric by vulcanization and the like.

In an alternative embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 25 a and 25 b, themore stressed toe portions 108′ and the heel portions 106′ may be madeexclusively of a conventional impervious material, and the area of thearch of the foot 107 and the heel area 105 may be made of a ring fabric.

FIGS. 25 a and 25 b illustrate possible exemplary embodiments of abarefoot shoe, wherein the parts of the sole that for anatomical reasonscarry the main load, especially the big toe bunion and the heel area andpossibly the toe area, are completely or partially supported by aconventional sole, whereas ring structures are provided in at least oneadjacent sole area. This not only ensures that the foot is wellventilated and protected from injury, but also ensures that essentiallythe conventional sole areas are used, which may also have, for example,shock absorption properties, on hard and slippery surfaces, such asasphalt. On the other hand, larger parts of the sole of the foot tend tocome into contact with the ground on softer, pliant surfaces, such as onsand, so that the specific barefoot feeling is enhanced here. Such shoetherefore adapts quasi automatically to the respective ground.

FIG. 26 shows a barefoot shoe sandal in a bottom view, wherein ringtissue structures 111, 112 make contact only with the bunion and heelareas of a foot having the reference numeral 110 on the side of thesole, which are surrounded at their edges by conventional materials111′, 112′. The arch area of the sole and the toe area remain free inthis embodiment.

FIGS. 27 a to 27 c illustrate various embodiments of barefoot shoesaccording to the invention with sole areas consisting of continuous ringstructures and different material designs for the upper and fasteners.

FIG. 27 a shows a shoe with a fastener, which is configured as a cordencircling the top of the shoe and which can be tightened with a cordstopper 113.

FIG. 27 b shows a classic laced shoe, whereas fastening in the barefootshoe shown in FIG. 27 c is performed with Velcro straps.

In the barefoot shoe illustrated in FIGS. 28 a-c, a sock 115 that onlypartially encloses the foot and is made of a chloroprene rubber (inGermany known under the brand name “Neopren®”) is provided as a supportlayer underneath the otherwise ballerina-like constructed ring fabricshoe (see FIGS. 1 a and 1 b).

This “partial sock” 115 is in the representation of FIGS. 28 a-cdesigned to be open in the midfoot and heel area. An open area mayalternatively or in additionally also be provided in the toe area. Thisvariant provides an excellent barefoot feeling with simultaneouslyenhanced wear comfort. The material of the socks prevents, among otherthings, irritation of the skin or at the pressure points in the area ofthe arch of the foot caused by the fasteners in that area; in addition,in the front of the shoe, the tips of the toes, especially the toenails,are protected from entanglement with the ring fabrics.

LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS

-   1 bottom-   2 upper-   3 fastener-   4 channel-   5 closure strap-   6, 7 ends-   8 heel-side closure device-   9 sock-like barefoot shoe-   10 sole-side ring structure areas-   11 upper-side ring structure areas-   12, 13, 14 straps-   15, 15′, 15 a/b ring structure area-   16, 17, 18, 19 rings-   16′, 17′, 18′, 19′ rings-   20, 20′, 21, 22 coupling rings-   23-28 rings-   29, 30 coupling rings-   31-36 rings-   37, 40, 42, 43 barefoot shoes-   38, 39 rails-   41 foot-   44, 45 cuff-   46, 47, 48, 49 flexible rails-   50, 54, 55 barefoot shoes-   51, 51′ laced closure-   52 shoelaces-   53, 53′ closure device-   59, 61 barefoot shoes-   56, 57, 56′, 57′ Velcro fasteners-   60, 60′ stretch fabric-   62 spring system-   63 Holder-   64 hook field-   65, 66, 67, 68 hooks-   69, 69′, 69″ scales/capsules-   71, 71, 72, 73 edge portions-   74, 75, 76, 77 rings-   78 surface structure-   79, 80 hook elements-   81, 82 additional individual rings-   83 second ring structure layer-   87, 88, 89, 90 additional individual rings-   92, 93 crossed threads-   94, 95 additional rings-   96, 97 gripping aids-   100, 100′ ring structures-   101, 101′ ring structures-   102, 102′ surface structure-   103 thread-   104 surface structure-   105 heel bone area-   106, 106′ heel region-   107 sole arch area-   108, 108′ toe area-   110 foot-   111, 112 ring structures-   111′, 112′ enclosure areas-   113 cord stopper-   115 sock

1-20. (canceled)
 21. A barefoot shoe, comprising: a bottom, and anupper, and fasteners for fastening the barefoot shoe to a foot of aperson wearing the barefoot shoe, said bottom being configured in one oftwo ways, a first way in which the bottom is made entirely of ringstructures and the fasteners are provided at least partially in areas ofthe upper located in an area of the arch of the foot when the shoe isworn, a second way in which the bottom includes areas composed in partof ring structures.
 22. The barefoot shoe of claim 21, wherein the ringstructures are formed so as to be at least partially open.
 23. Thebarefoot shoe of claim 21, wherein the barefoot shoe and the ringstructures are constructed such that environmental influences can have adirect effect on the foot of the person wearing the barefoot shoe. 24.The barefoot shoe of claim 21, wherein the upper is composed entirely ofring structures or has areas that at least in part exclusively composedof ring structures.
 25. The barefoot shoe of claim 24, wherein the areasof the bottom and the areas of the upper composed of ring structures areconstructed so as to continuously transition into each other.
 26. Thebarefoot shoe of claim 25, wherein rings of the ring structures at leastin partial areas of the bottom or the upper, or both, comprise at leastone of different materials, different sizes and differentcross-sectional profiles.
 27. The barefoot shoe of claim 25, whereinrings of the ring structures have identical sizes or are made ofidentical materials, or both.
 28. The barefoot shoe of claim 25, whereinrings of the ring structures are made of at least one material selectedfrom metal, plastic and a composite material.
 29. The barefoot shoe ofclaim 21, wherein the ring structures of the bottom comprisegrip-enhancing surface structures providing enhanced gripping propertiesin comparison with gripping properties of the ring structures.
 30. Thebarefoot shoe of claim 21, wherein the ring structures of the bottomcomprise surface structures made of natural or synthetic rubber andhaving a shape of a sole or a shape of a section of a sole areintroduced into or applied onto the ring structures, with the surfacestructures completely or partially covering the bottom area.
 31. Thebarefoot shoe of claim 21, wherein the ring structures of the bottomcomprise in at least one of a toe area and the heel area of the barefootshoe surface structures made of natural or synthetic rubber andintroduced into or applied onto the ring structures.
 32. The barefootshoe of claim 21, wherein partial areas of the ring structures compriseadditional individual rings which each enclose an overlap region of twointerconnected rings and which have an identical or shortercircumference than the interconnected rings.
 33. The barefoot shoe ofclaim 24, wherein the ring structures of at least one of the bottom andthe upper comprise at least in partial regions a second ring structurelayer, wherein the second ring structure layer is connected with thering structures by way of additional individual rings.
 34. The barefootshoe of claim 24, wherein the ring structures of at least one of thebottom and the upper are connected with at least one additional wovenlayer having crossed threads that extend coplanar with the ringstructures, for increasing dimensional stability of the ring structures.35. The barefoot shoe of claim 24, wherein at least one flexible railmade of metal or plastic and having a shape fitting the foot or a leg ofthe person wearing the shoe is disposed in an area of the ringstructures of the upper.
 36. The barefoot shoe of claim 35, wherein theat least one flexible rail comprises a ring structure cuff arranged inan end region and extending transversely to a longitudinal direction ofthe flexible rail in a position of use.
 37. The barefoot shoe of claim21, wherein the fasteners comprise at least one fastener selected from aspring-biased fastening hook, leather, textile, plastics, shoelaces, astrap, a zipper, a stretch material, a Velcro closure, a reinforcementdisposed on soles, side areas, heels, tips, arch of the foot and made inpart or entirely of metal, plastic, natural rubber and synthetic rubber,a buckle and a snap fastener.
 38. The barefoot shoe of claim 21, whereinthe bottom is completely or partially formed of a closed material in atleast one of an area of the toe, an area of the bunion of the big toeand an area of the heel, whereas at least one adjacent area of thebottom comprises ring structures.
 39. The barefoot shoe of claim 21,wherein the bottom is completely or partially formed of ring structuresin at least one of an area of the toe, an area of the bunion of the bigtoe and an area of the heel, whereas at least one adjacent area of thebottom is formed of a closed material.
 40. The barefoot shoe of claim21, further comprising a sock disposed inside the barefoot shoe, whereinthe sock is completely closed in an area of the foot or has one or moreopenings in at least one of a toe area, a midfoot area, an area of thearch of the foot and a heel area.